CHS1 — Candida albicans

Summary

CR_09020C_A (CHS1, also known as CHS2) on chromosome 8 of Candida albicans encodes a chitin synthase with chitin synthase activity (EC 2.4.1.16), containing chitin synthase N-terminal domains. The gene is associated with cell septum assembly, septum positioning, ascospore wall assembly, cell wall biogenesis, chitin anabolism and breakdown, germ tube formation, pigmentation, regeneration, and inflammatory response including TNF production. It is linked to chitosome, hyphal tip, cross wall, and plasmalemma localisation. Associations with disseminated candidiasis and mouse models are noted. Phenotypic associations include abnormal septum formation, absent budding, decreased adhesion and flocculation, abnormal chitin deposition, increased respiratory and fermentative metabolism, and altered cell cycle progression. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and polysaccharide content.